OTTplay Lost and Found - Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala

Welcome to OTTplay Lost and Found , one podcast that talks about critically acclaimed films and shows but lesser - known , i'm your host Nikhil

Today’s Lost and Found is an underrated gem from the 90s, the Malayalam film Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala. Released to critical acclaim in 1998, the film stars Sreenivasan and Sangeetha in lead roles, with an excellent supporting cast of Thilakan. Innocent, Nedumudi Venu, Sudheesh, and Siddique.

Written and directed by Sreenivasan, the plot revolves around Vijayan, played by Sreenivasan, an irresponsible husband who refuses to go to his day job as a teacher. Instead, he is deluded into thinking that he can be successful with minimum effort in more glamorous professions such as a businessman or even a film director. As one would expect he soon becomes debt-ridden, forcing an intervention from his wife, Shyamala, as well as their parents. They convince him to make the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. However, Shyamala’s dreams of a more level headed husband are shattered when Vijayan returns home from the trip a completely different man, but not the one she envisioned. He informs his family that he is devoting his life to prayer and will lead a frugal lifestyle, devoid of any earthly pleasures. He soon abandons his family and leaves for an ashram. A deflated Shyamala decides to take matters into her own hands and decides to work hard for her two children by starting a tailoring business.

The story continues to highlight Shyamala’s struggles as a single mother, and a remorseful Vijayan’s attempts to regain her trust and affection. This satirical comedy-drama critiqued and challenged several socio-economic conventions prevalent in Kerala at the time.

If you haven't watched this yet then do so streaming exclusively on Manorama Max

Well that's the OTTplay Lost and Found for today, until the next episode it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Written by Ryan Gomez